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Charles Harley was a Brother who had the larger vision, the vision of a United Grand Lodge of Queensland and those who were associated with
the movement knew that this ideal would not be easily attained. A few excellent Brothers were loathe to disturb the existing order. They loved the old banners of England, Ireland and Scotland and they fought against
change. The process of conversion was slow, and though, in the end, the cause,of progress won, it was with perseverance and patience that obstacles were overcome. Those who had doubted came to realise the importance
of unity, and that Freemasonry without unity was in the nature of a contradiction. In those days M.WBro. Harley was in the forefront of the movement. He threw all his energy into the push for union, and it was
largely due to his influence that the Grand Lodge of Queensland was established. It was a distinct advance, but it was not yet total unity. A vast amount of work still had to be done. M.W.Bro. Harley was one of
those who never tired or lost sight of the great objective. Finally, in 1921, there came into existence the United Grand Lodge of Queensland. Unity had been achieved, but the whole field of organisation had to be
traversed, and the once separate jurisdictions brought to work together smoothly and efficiently. M.W.Bro Harley was a tower of strength to the new Grand Lodge. His genius for organisation, his unfailing tact, his
continued driving and guiding force were invaluable.
The years passed, his interest in the Craft never waned and even at the age of 80 he was still keenly involved in all the affairs of the Craft and still
earnestly concerned with the welfare of the Brethren.
For his dedication to duty, he was elevated to the rank of Past Deputy Grand Master on the 12th August 1912 and on the 29th July 1918 he was honoured with the rank of Past Grand Master. This was the highest rank that it was within the the power of a Grand Master to bestow.
One of the greatest honours of his life was to be present at the consecration of the Lodge bearing his name.
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